Buying Transcend Options: Out-of-Pocket, HSA Expense or Waiting the Five-Year Insurance Replacement Period

For those who currently use a CPAP, you’re probably familiar with what your health insurance will and won’t cover when it comes to your device. Transcend, like other CPAPs, is covered by most health insurance plans. Of course, the replacement reimbursement schedule for CPAP devices is five (5) years. So, if you’ve purchased a CPAP through your health insurance within the past five years, chances are high that insurance wouldn’t cover a new CPAP. 

For many people, Transcend will be a second CPAP—one that will be used in addition to a primary device.  In that case, buying Transcend could be an out-of-pocket expense or an HSA (Health Savings Account) expense.  When comparing Transcend to other popular CPAPs with similar features, you’ll find that Transcend costs about half of what a conventional CPAP/humidifier combo costs. For example, the more popular CPAP devices today start at around $599. Add the cost of the humidifier/water chamber and the price goes up over $1,000. Transcend is designed and sold as a system. That means you get the CPAP, the HME*, the hose, the power cord, and the travel bag for $599.

*HMEs, or heat moisture exchangers, are used in hospitals every day. The Transcend HME is small, hygienic and disposable. It works by capturing moisture from your exhaled air and gives that moisture back to you when you inhale.

For others, waiting the five year reimbursement period to replace an existing CPAP may be better. It really depends on each individual situation.

FYI…Here’s a brief review of typical insurance guidelines related to CPAPs:

·         Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices are covered only for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

·         You must have an overnight sleep study performed in a sleep laboratory to establish a qualifying diagnosis.

·         Insurance also will pay for replacement masks,  tubing and other necessary supplies.

·         After three months of use, you will be required to verify if you are benefiting from using the device and how many hours a day you are using the machine.

Private health insurance plans and replacement reimbursement schedules differ by provider, so you’ll want to check with your provider for details.

Hope this is helpful.  Learn more about the Transcend travel CPAP.